Student-alumni networking reception to follow. Join former Ford School dean and current Acting Deputy Secretary of the Department of Commerce Rebecca Blank for her personal reflections on management at senior levels of government and on the relevance of public policy education for leadership in the public sector. Come and hear from a favorite former professor and dean; join in a lively conversation about policy, politics, and careers; and reconnect with old friends at the networking reception to follow. A large group of current Ford School MPP students will be in DC for the schoo

Free and open to the public. Reception to follow. About the speaker Congressman Eric Cantor is the Majority Leader for the 112th Congress and has represented Virginia's 7th district in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2001.

Free and open to the public. Panelists: Christopher Borick Professor and Director, Muhlenberg Institute of Public Opinion, Muhlenberg College Erick Lachapelle Départment de science politique, Université de Montréal Barry Rabe Professor of Public Policy, Gerald R.

Free and open to the public. The University of Michigan International Institute will hold a round table discussion to analyze the underlying tensions in the Middle East that have led to widespread unrest and political instability.

Space is limited, but the event will be available via live webcast (see additional information below). No PowerPoint, no script; just stimulating conversation Nanotechnology has been touted variously as the next industrial revolution and the next asbestos. But where does the hype end and reality begin? And what does this mean for public health?

Free and open to the public. Ann Wright, retired U.S. Army Colonel and former U.S. Deputy Ambassador presents an examination of U.S. foreign policies in the Middle East from her point of view as a former military officer and government official, and peace activist. Further, drawing upon her recent travels, she will share her direct observations and personal experiences. About the speaker Ann Wright grew up in Bentonville, Arkansas, and attended the University of Arkansas, where she received a master's and a law degree.

Three faculty members will receive the Henry Russel Award. This award is presented annually to recognize mid-career faculty who have demonstrated an impressive record of accomplishment in scholarship and/or creativity, as well as their conspicuous ability as a teacher.

Leah Nichols, Postdoctoral Fellow in Science, Technology, and Public Policy, Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy Commentator: Jason Owen-Smith, Associate Professor of Sociology and Organizational Studies, University of Michigan Co-sponsored by the Office of the Vice President for Research and the A. Alfred Taubman Medical Research Institute Abstract: For the past thirty years, significant policy attention has been given to improving the transfer of technology from universities to private industry in an effort to improve U.S.

Free and open to the public. Reception to follow. About the speaker As the Consul General of Canada based in Detroit, Roy B. Norton represents Canada in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky. He leads the Canadian Consulate General which promotes Canadian interests – primarily trade, investment, the environment, culture and academic relations. Born in Ottawa, Norton initially received a MA in Canadian History from Carleton University.

This panel discussion focuses on how politics, conflict and oil affect U.S. interests and policies in the greater Middle East region. Current developments in Iraq, Iran and in the Israel-Palestinian peace process will be examined by present and former policy-level officials who have studied and dealt with these issues in both the U.S. Government and in academia. Panelists: Colin Kahl, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle East, U.S.